Foss Leases Tugs from Signet Foss Maritime Company announced that it will enter into an alliance with Houston-based Signet Maritime Corporation. As part of this alliance, Foss will add to its fleet of tanker escort and assist vessels by leasing two new advanced Z-drive 30 meter, 80 metric tonne (AZ 30/80) tug boats from Signet.
Foss officials said they decided to enter into the agreement with Signet both because of anticipated growth and to respond to the needs of its customer base.
The first of the leased vessels will join the Foss fleet in February 2008, and the second in May 2008. As part of Foss’ ongoing fleet development plan, one vessel is slated to be assigned to the North Puget Sound, and the second to one of the other West Coast ports Foss serves.
Both vessels have 6, 610 BHP equaling a minimum 80 metric tonnes of bollard pull. The AZ 30/80 is a new high-performance tug design which was developed by Signet in concert with Robert Allan Ltd of Vancouver, B.C. for unique operational requirements, addressing functions of ship assist, escort, fire fighting, coastal towing and rig moves. The tugs are outfitted with state-of-the-art FiFi 1 firefighting equipment, Markey hawser winches and a robust Schuyler fendering system.
Signet, in return, is leasing two Foss vessels: a conventional twin-screw tugboat for its contract towing work and a newly constructed Dolphin-class Z-drive harbor tug. Foss and Signet may exchange and lease other vessels to each other and engage in other fleet optimization activities in the future.
The two companies, which have worked together on projects in the Gulf of Mexico for more than 20 years, are partnering by trading resources to ensure both companies maintain the right fleet mix for their customers’ needs, while maintaining flexibility to respond to new opportunities.